Staff Nurse -Sister Sibi Riju , an associate professor of nursing dept of nursing AIIMS NEW DELHI with extensive teaching experience, to deliver online lectures on critical care nursing topics like ventilated patients and comatose patients. They discuss logistics like having one lecture per month, Sibi's clinical supervision duties,
Critical Care Nursing Basics Discussed
Dr. initiated a series of lectures on critical care nursing, with Sister Sibi Riju leading the first session on basic concepts. Sibi discussed the definition and importance of critical care nursing, emphasizing its role in managing patients with unstable or potentially unstable conditions. She also touched on the history of critical care development, from Florence Nightingale's recognition of the need for isolation of seriously ill patients to the establishment of specialized ICUs. Sibi further explained the classification of ICUs based on location, specific functions, treatment policies, and level of services. She concluded by highlighting the common disorders seen in ICUs and the importance of the 7Cs (compassion, communication, consistency, etc.) in healthcare team dynamics.
Life Support Systems in ICU
Sibi discussed the various life support systems and devices commonly found in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These include patient monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, ICP monitors, EtCO2 monitors, blood pressure monitors, ABG monitors, temperature monitors, CVP pressure monitors, pulmonary artery catheters, EEG monitors, and infusion pumps. Sibi also highlighted the importance of understanding the normal and abnormal parameters of these devices, as well as the responsibilities of nurses in managing them. Additionally, Sibi mentioned life support devices like ventilators, defibrillators, balloon pumps, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices. The discussion also covered diagnostic devices such as portable ultrasound machines and X-ray machines. Sibi emphasized the need for proper management of these devices and systems to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Designing an Effective Intensive Care Unit
Sibi discussed the design and facilities of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He emphasized that the ICU should be a distinct area within the hospital, with controlled access to limit visitor traffic and prevent infection. The ICU should be adjacent to the emergency department, operating room, or radiology department, and have direct elevated travel for patient transport. Sibi also highlighted the need for positive and negative pressure isolation rooms, depending on the type of patients admitted. He recommended that patient areas should be sequential for easy monitoring, with multiple oxygen outlets, suction outlets, and power outlets per bed. Storage facilities, linen, and toiletries should be adequately stored, and there should be hooks for hanging infusions and blood bags. Sibi also discussed the importance of maintaining a therapeutic environment, including noise reduction and family participation in patient care. He suggested having a central nursing station with patient monitoring features, adequate lighting, computer terminals, and accessible patient records. Other facilities to consider in the ICU design include an X-ray viewing area, work areas, equipment storage, a special procedures room, reception area, patient waiting lounge, clean and dirty utility areas, pantry facilities, staff and visitor lounges, patient transportation ramp, conference rooms, and service corridors.
Critical Care Nurses' Responsibilities
Sibi discussed the principles and responsibilities of critical care nurses. She emphasized the importance of anticipation, early detection, and prompt action in preventing complications. She also highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, advanced clinical skills, and effective communication among healthcare team members. Sibi stressed the importance of infection control, end-of-life care, and patient education. She also introduced the concept of critical care nurses extending their roles as clinical nurse specialists, certified critical care nurses, and critical care nurse practitioners. Dr. Tapesh Bansal thanked Sibi for her detailed presentation and encouraged the nursing fraternity to continue their hard work in saving lives. The next lecture was scheduled to be on managing patients on ventilators.
